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 NSW recently got up to speed with other Australian States in adopting the 50°C temperature limitation on sanitary fixtures, and as in other States a series of Seminars defining and explaining AS3500.4 as well as clarifying the plumbers duty of care were held because scalds can be horrific. This subject is fairly emotive, however, the same duty of care applies to cross connections and backflow prevention and yet it does not receive the same focus as the 50°C limitation.Again there is an Australian Standard AS3500 for Backflow Prevention Installation as well as a Manufacturing Standard AS2845. Despite the fact that manufactures and TAFE institutes promote and run testing courses, there is still a lot of ignorance and lack of interest in backflow prevention. Water Authorities have mainly gone for containment policies in order to protect their water supply, but who is responsible for what goes on withit the boundaries and down stream of the water meter which is where the cross connections would generally occur. Some water Authorities still have responsibilities as a regulator but do not have the resources to police the situation. The owner of the premises should have some responsibility with regard to the safety and well being of employees and public alike. Should Insurance Companies have some input? But at the end of the day it always falls back on the plumber. Sure the plumber is and should be part of the equation, but there should be a heightening of awareness from Water Authorities, Health Authorities, Hydraulic Consultants, manufacturers and Distributors of Backflow Prevention Devices and so on.
Since Sydney Water's announcement with regards to their Backflow Policy, it is surprising the number of people I have spoken to that are not aware of what it is and what is required. We in the industry need to continue to raise awareness and educate the industry with regard to backflow prevention. |
| John Gill - [Intro] | [Email] | [Articles] |
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